De facto Islamic Affairs Minister Mujahid Yusof Rawa has condemned underage marriages, saying it defeats the rights of the child and negates the country's nation-building efforts.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Mujahid called for child marriages to be stopped, and urged for a review of current laws that allow such unions.

"We need to improve the laws by having syariah and civil lawmakers sit together in order to come to a consensus in meeting the contemporary needs for child rights," Mujahid said...